This story is taken from Milwaukee Magazine‘s 2019 Charitable Giving Guide. We found 20 deserving nonprofits for you to consider supporting this holiday season.
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A car breakdown. A leaky roof. An unexpected expense for medical or dental care.
Emergency situations like these can push many families into a downward spiral of job loss, eviction and poverty. Enter the Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association.
“We provide an opportunity for people to remain self-sufficient and maintain their dignity,” says Executive Director Ginny Gendelman. “It’s a hand up, not a handout.”
In its 10 years, MJFLA has loaned over $1 million to individuals of any faith in the greater Milwaukee community. The interest-free loans average $2,400; the group makes 50 to 75 loans each year.
There has been a 99.7 percent payback rate, so the money gets reused. “It’s a business transaction,” Gendelman says, “a great way to empower people to help themselves.”
